Box Closer

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment of the present invention, a box closer is provided comprising an elongated bar having a first and second end, a width, a thickness, and a length that is longer than the major width of the box, a first edge-stop attached in a fixed or removable manner at or near a first end of the bar, and a second edge-stop attached in a fixed or removable manner at or near the second end of the bar.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the field of taping packing boxes and pertains particularly to methods and apparatus for closing packing box flaps for easy and effective taping.

2. Discussion of the State of the Art

In the field of packing boxes, there is currently no way to easily and effectively hold two folded outer box flaps in place while taping a box closed for shipment. Current solutions involve methods where an operator has to hold the box flaps in place with one hand while taping the edges closed with the other hand. This method can prove to be difficult, ineffective, and can result in a poorly taped box. In addition, this method can result in a box that might be slightly off kilter, not squared, or have gaps between the flaps of the box. These results could lead to the possible damage of the contents of an operator's box, and could also lead to the box flaps opening during shipment as the result of poorly taped edges. The process is time consuming, awkward and stressful.

Therefore, what is clearly needed is an inexpensive apparatus that aids in holding or securing two folded outer box flaps of a packing box in place for easy and effective taping.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention, a box closer is provided comprising an elongated bar having a first and second end, a width, a thickness, and a length that is longer than the minor width of the box, a first edge-stop attached in a fixed at or near a first end of the bar, and a second edge-stop attached in a fixed or removable manner at or near the second end of the bar.

In one embodiment the bar includes a single opening at or near the first end, the opening for positioning the first edge stop during attachment of the stop to the bar. Also in one embodiment of the invention, the box closer bar includes multiple openings extending there through arranged in a linear pattern beginning near the second end and extending substantially toward the center of the bar, the openings adapted for positioning the second edge-stop relative to the width of the box. In one embodiment of the invention, the box closer bar includes an elongated slot disposed along the longitudinal center thereof from near the second end and extending substantially past the vertical center of the bar, the slot adapted for positioning the second edge-stop relative to the width of the box.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the box closer first edge-stop is rectangular and the second edge-stop is semi-annular, wherein the closer is adjustable to the width of the box and wherein torque is applied by rotational movement to create pressure on the box sides to square up the box flaps for taping. In one embodiment, the box closer second edge-stop is mounted over the bar and adjusted to a desired position via one of the multiple openings. In one embodiment, the box closer second edge-stop is mounted over the bar and adjusted to the desired position via the elongated slot and a clamping mechanism.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the box closer further comprises a handle wherein the first and second edge-stops are fixed to, or contiguously formed on the bar, the second edge-stop provided in the form of a wedge for applying pressure on the box sides to square up the box flaps for taping, the handle used to position and then to lower the bar over the width of the box.

In one embodiment of the invention, the box closer further comprises a handle wherein the first edge-stop is fixed to, or contiguously formed on the bar, the second edge-stop attached to the bar via a spring-loaded mechanism that provides spring-loaded pressure on the box sides to square up the box s for taping, the handle used to position and then lower the bar over the width of the box. In one embodiment of the present invention, the box closer first and second edge-stops have rubber surfaces that interface with the edges of the box.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a standard packing box.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a box closer having multiple through-openings and two stop-edge pieces.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of box closer of FIG. 2 and a standard packing box.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a box closer having an elongated slot adjuster and two stop-edge pieces.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of box closer of FIG. 4 and a standard packing box.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a box closer having a spring-loaded stop-edge at one end.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a box closer having a beveled stop-edge at one end.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a box closer in yet another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is described in enabling detail using the following examples which may describe more than one relevant embodiment falling within the scope of the present invention.

The inventor provides an apparatus for securing the outer flaps of a standard packing box in a closed position and for squaring up the box for easy and effective taping by a user. The system and methods of the invention are described below according to the following embodiments.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a standard packing box 101 with open flaps. In this example, the flaps of the box are in an open position on both the top and bottom. As described further above in the background section, it is difficult to properly tape the box flaps closed without aid in holding them square to one another for proper box alignment. The present invention is an apparatus that solves the problem of holding or securing the flaps closed for taping.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a closer 200 in one embodiment of the invention. In this example, closer 200 includes an elongate bar 201 that has a length that is longer than the edge-to-edge width of a packing box. Bar 201 may be fabricated from plastic, a lightweight metal, wood, or any other suitable material. Bar 201 supports a first edge stop 202 and a second edge stop 203. Edge stops 202 and 203 are mounted to bar 201 in this example through strategically-placed holes in bar 201. Edge stop 202 in this example is rectangular and is bolted through bar 201 at position 206 with a bolt or other fastener through a hole through the bar in a manner to allow rotation of the stop relative to its mounted position on the bar. Edge stop 203 has a semi-circular shape and is mounted over bar 201 via a rectangular opening provided therethrough that is slightly larger relative to inside dimensioning than the outer dimensions of the bar. Edge stop 203 may slide along bar 201, and may be positioned as desired by use of a pin or other fastener 205 to engage any one of holes 204 in bar 201. Edge stop 202 may be rotatable about its mounted position on bar 201 while edge stop 203 may not be rotatable relative to its mounted position.

Positional adjustability relative to edge stop 203 by engagement with holes 204 in bar 201 allows an operator to adjust box closer 200 to accommodate any one of various sizes of packing boxes available in the art. Edge stop 202 may be usually positioned to be at or near one end of bar 201 and is at least somewhat rotatable in its mounted position relative to the bar. Edge stop 203 may be moved as desired to accommodate boxes of differing dimensions.

Surfaces of rectangular edge stops 202 and 203 may be surfaced with rubber, fabric, or some other gripping material that will not damage the edge of a fiberboard box.

A user may adjust semi-annular edge stop 203 to any suitable position along bar 201 by sliding the stop to the desired position over the bar and then inserting pin 205 through an opening in the top surface of edge stop 203.

In one embodiment of the invention edge stop 203 might be adjusted relative to the bar length using a bolt that might screw into bar 201 using threaded through-holes 204 according to the size of the packing box. In another embodiment of the invention, edge stop 203 might be adjusted using a drop bolt that features a spring-loaded mechanism that might be inserted into the appropriate through-hole 204 along bar 201, the edge stop held in place by the force of the spring.

In another embodiment of the invention, edge stop 203 might be adjusted using a peg system where a peg may be dropped through the top surface of the stop into one of the holes in bar 201. This may allow for quick linear adjustments along bar 201 when working a batch of boxes that vary in size from small to large. In another embodiment of the invention, edge stop 203 might include a clamping mechanism to allow for linear adjustments using through-holes 204 along bar 201. In another embodiment, edge stop 203 might include a twist knob mechanism threaded through an opening provided through the top of the stop to allow for linear adjustments along a bar 201 that is blank or does not have a linear hole pattern. Edge stop 203 may feature some other type of size adjustment system without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In one embodiment of the invention, edge stop 202 may be a rectangular piece that swivels to fit squarely (flat edge against box) along the edge of the packing box regardless of the angular position of the bar. In another embodiment of the invention, edge stop 202 may be a hexagonal shaped piece that swivels to fit squarely along the edge of the packing box. In another embodiment of the invention, edge stop 202 may be a semi-annular shaped piece that includes a flat edge that may swivel to interface against the edge of the packing box. Edge stop 202 may be provided in any other shape having at least one flat edge that can be rotated to interface squarely along the edge of the packing box without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In one embodiment, edge stop 202 may be attached to bar 201 using a bolt that may be screwed in to bar 201 through an opening in the top surface of the stop. In another embodiment of the invention, edge stop 202 may be attached to bar 201 using a spring-loaded peg. In another embodiment, edge stop 202 may be attached to bar 201 using a clamping mechanism. In another embodiment of the invention, edge stop 202 may be attached to bar 201 using a twist knob placed through the bar and threaded into an opening provided in the top of the stop. Edge stop 202 may feature some other type of attachment system without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In this particular embodiment of the invention, bar 201 of closer 200 has a linear pattern of through-holes located at both ends of the bar for accommodating linear positioning of both edge stops.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of box closer 200 of FIG. 2 in use on standard packing box 101. In one embodiment of the invention a user may, after closing the outer flaps of the packing box, place box closer 200 over the top of standard packing box 101 with the edge stops extended downward over the edges of the box. The first position of the bar may be substantially perpendicular to the rectangular profile of the box.

A user may position the box closer so that a flat edge of edge stop 202 is flush along the edge of packing box 101. The user may then adjust semi-annular edge stop 203 toward the opposite edge until it touches or is very close to touching the opposite edge of the box. This adjustment need only be done once for boxes of a particular size, and the closer may then be reused as needed for closing boxes of the same size. The weight of the bar functions to keep the box flaps closed against the underlying flaps of packing box 101.

An important purpose of the box closer in embodiments of the invention is to apply moderate pressure inward on box 101 to cause the flaps to meet. This pressure, once the flaps meet along their edges will cause the box to square up. To apply this pressure to square up the box the user may rotate the bar of the box closer in one direction about a vertical axis (see angle A) or in the other (opposite) direction, until edge stop 202 and edge stop 203 rest snugly against the packing box and apply pressure to the box. This rotation of the bar of the box closer causes the opposing stops to move together and apply pressure to the edges of the box, causing the flaps to engage along their outer edges, which has an effect of squaring the box. The user may then apply tape to the exposed edges of packing box 101 taping the flaps down along opposite edges. After the user removes box closer 200 from packing box 101, the user may then apply tape along the gap between the box flaps.

The inventor believes this action results in a cone of pressure as indicated by the dotted lines in FIG. 3, wherein the pressure applied at the stops to the box, because of the nature of construction of the box with its flaps, creates at the center a uniform pressure of the flaps against one another, which avoids any deformation of the box before taping. The inventor has further discovered that the edge stops having a high friction covering, coupled with the fact of the box providing backpressure, causes the bar, having been rotated as described, to maintain the rotated position even if the user releases the bar. This effect is beneficial to the operation, because it frees the user to apply the tape.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of box closer 400 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Box closer 400 has an elongated bar 401 that has an elongated thru slot 404 for mounting a position-adjustable edge stop 403 at different positions along the bar. In this example, box closer 400 includes a first edge stop 402 and second edge stop 403. Edge stop 402 may be a simple bolt or rod extended through an opening through bar 401 near one end of the bar. A rubber boot or resilient cover material may be applied the bolt or rod to provide a soft but firm interface against the edge of the packing box.

Edge stop 402 is not positionally adjustable in this example. Edge stop 403 includes a simple clamp assembly 405 adapted to span the width and sides of the bar, the assembly may be clamped to the bar at different positions by tightening a twist knob 406. Edge stop 403 is thus linearly adjustable to position it anywhere along slot 304. A simple bolt or rod functions as the actual interfacing component of the edge stop and is covered with a rubber boot or other soft but resilient material to prevent damage to the edges of the box.

In one embodiment of the invention, moving edge stop 403 enables a user to adjust box closer 401 to accommodate various sizes of packing boxes.

In one embodiment of the invention, edge stop 403 is retained in position along slot 404 by tightening a twist knob 406 that can be loosened for adjustment and tightened when the appropriate distance to facilitate box size has been achieved. In another embodiment of the invention, edge stop 403 may be adjusted using a different type of clamping mechanism, such as a lever operated clamp.

In one embodiment of the invention, edge stop 402 is a simple bolt covered with a rubber boot that is passed through bar 401 via an opening provided for the purpose. Both edge stops extend below bar 401 when installed so they may contact the edges of the box when the bar is laid over the box. In one embodiment of the invention edge stop 402 might be attached to bar 401 using a clamping mechanism. In one embodiment of the invention edge stop 402 may be attached to bar 401 using a clamp operated by a twist knob similar to edge stop 203 of FIG. 2. Edge stop 402 may have some other type of size adjustment system without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In this particular embodiment of the invention edge stops 402 and 403 have annular rubber or rubber-like boots fitted over otherwise exposed bolts or rods. In one embodiment of the invention edge stop 402 may have a rectangular end piece or boot that fits squarely against the edge of a standard packing box. In another embodiment of the invention, edge stop 402 may have a hexagonal end piece that fits squarely against the edge of a standard packing box. In another embodiment, edge stop 402 may have a semi-annular end piece having a flat edge that fits squarely against the edge of a standard packing box. Edge stop 402 may have some other type of end piece or boot having at least one flat edge that fits squarely against a standard packing box without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of box closer 400 of FIG. 4 in use on standard packing box 101. In one embodiment of the invention a user may, after closing the outer flaps of the packing box, place box closer 400 on top of standard packing box 101 substantially perpendicular to the major width of the box. A user positions edge stop 402 against an edge of packing box 101. At the other end of bar 401, the user may loosen twist knob 405 and position edge stop 403 toward the opposite box edge until the rubber boot touches, or is close to the edge. The user may the tighten the twist knob while box closer 400 is over top of packing box 101, the edge stops hanging over the box edges.

When properly adjusted, the box closer lies over the box with the edge stops extending over each end touching or near to the box edges. To square up the box, the user may rotate the bar of the closer just as described above for close 200 with reference to FIG. 3. This action has the same effect as described above, creating a cone of pressure that urges the box flaps to contact along the flap edges, causing the box to square up. The user may then apply tape to the exposed edges of packing box 101. After the user removes box closer 300 from packing box 101, the user may then apply tape along the gap between the outer box flaps.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a box closer 600 according to another alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment box closer 600 is provided having no moving parts accept for a spring-loaded edge stop 603 located at one end of a bar 601. At the opposite end from edge stop 603, an edge stop 602 is provided and is contiguously formed with the bar portion of the closer. In one embodiment closer 600 has a handle 604 formed or otherwise affixed to the top surface of bar 601.

In one embodiment edge stop 603 is mounted via two through holes, over two shafts 605 that are anchored into blind holes formed into the end of bar 601. Springs 606 are provided and anchored over the shafts at one end and to the inside of edge stop 603 with relief for the shaft. The edge stop sides freely over the shafts and abuts against the end of bar 601 when at rest. Edge stop 603 is biased toward bar 601 by the spring action. As the view is a side elevation view, only one of the bar and spring assemblies may be seen. In one embodiment only one bar and one spring is sufficient, and another mechanism may cause stop 603 to maintain its downward extending aspect with respect to bar 601.

In some embodiments as described with reference to FIG. 6 bar 601 may have substantial width, such as from 4 to 8 inches, to server to efficiently hold the box flaps closed. The extra width provides extra weight, which also serves this purpose.

With the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 a user may place box closer 600 over a box by pulling out spring-loaded edge stop 603 and releasing the edge stop to rest snugly against an edge of packing box 101 under spring pressure. The spring tension acting on edge stop 603 applies moderate pressure to the box, thereby squaring up the flaps and sides of the box. The user might then apply tape to the exposed edges of the packing box. After removing box closer 600, the user might then apply tape along the gap between the outer box flaps. In alternative embodiments of the invention there may be multiple versions of closer 600 available in various sizes to accommodate the various sizes of packing boxes available.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a box closer 700 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Box closer 700 is provided in one contiguous piece with no moving parts. Box closer 700 includes an elongate bar portion 701, a first edge stop 702, and a second edge stop 703. Both edge stops 702 and 703 are contiguously formed to bar 701 or rigidly attached and include no moving parts. A handle 704 may be provided on the top of bar 701. The length of bar 701 under the bar between the edge stops is substantially the dimension across a specific standard box. Edge stop 703 is tapered along a lower portion of its downward extension, which allows a user to place the closer over the box with stop 702 first engaged, then lowering stop 703 such that the tapered portion first meets the box. Further engagement applies moderate pressure to the box until the closer is fully engaged. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the closer may be provided in several different sizes to accommodate different box sizes. It is also noted that in this embodiment the wedge shape may function to square up the box before the bar portion of the tool lies flat against the top of the box.

After applying the tool over the box and urging the tool downward to square up the box via the wedge, the user may then apply tape to the exposed edges of packing box 101. The user might then use handle 703 to remove box closer 700 from packing box 101, and then apply tape along the gap between the outer box flaps.

FIG. 8 depicts another box closer 800 in an embodiment of the invention, having a bar 801 quite similar to the bar 201 of closer 200, with a series of holes 804 along the length from one end. An edge stop 802 is positioned at one end of bar 801 by a fastener 808 and may have a flexible cover as described above. An edge stop 803 is positioned anywhere along the bar where there are holes 804, using one of the holes, and a fastener 805 secures edge stop 803. Stop 803 may be removed and repositioned to accommodate boxes of various sizes. This closer may be adjusted for a box size, placed over the box, and rotated just as described above for other closers, creating the cone of pressure and causing the box flaps to meet and square up the box.

It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that the box closer of the invention may be provided using some or all of the mentioned features and components without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will also be apparent to the skilled artisan that the embodiments described above are specific examples of a single broader invention which may have greater scope than any of the singular descriptions taught. There may be many alterations made in the descriptions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A box closer comprising: an elongate bar having a first and second end, a width, a thickness, and a length that is longer than a width of the box; a first edge stop fixed or removably attached at or near a first end of the bar; a second stop fixed or removably attached at or near the second end of the bar.
 2. The box closer of claim 1 wherein the bar includes a single opening at or near the first end, the opening for positioning the first edge stop during attachment of the stop to the bar.
 3. The box closer of claim 1 wherein the bar includes multiple openings extending there through arranged in a liner pattern beginning near the second end and extending substantially toward the center of the bar, the openings adapted for positioning the second edge stop relative to the width of the box.
 4. The box closer of claim 1 wherein the bar includes an elongate slot disposed along the longitudinal center thereof from near the second end and extending substantially past the vertical center of the bar, the slot adapted for positioning the second edge stop relative to the width of the box.
 5. The box of claim 3 wherein the first edge stop is rectangular and the second edge stop is semi-annular, wherein the closer is adjustable to the width of the box and wherein torque is applied to create pressure on the box sides to square up the box flaps for taping.
 6. The box closer of claim 3 wherein the second edge stop is mounted over the bar and adjusted to a desired position via one of the multiple openings.
 7. The box closer of claim 4 wherein the second edge stop is mounted over the bar and adjusted to a desired position via the elongate slot and a clamping mechanism.
 8. The box closer of claim 1 further comprising: a handle; wherein the first and second edge stops are fixed to or contiguously formed on the bar, the second edge stop provided in the form of a wedge for applying pressure on the box sides to square up the box s for taping, the handle used to position and then to lower the bar over the width of the box.
 9. The box closer of claim 1 further comprising: a handle; wherein the first edge stop is fixed to or contiguously formed on the bar, the second edge stop attached to the bar via a spring loaded mechanism that provides spring pressure on the box sides to square up the box flaps for taping, the handle used to position and then to lower the bar over the width of the box.
 10. The box closer of claim 1 wherein the first and second edge stops have rubber surfaces that interface with the edges of the box. 